What is Guy Wire?

Used for stabilization of free-standing structures, guy wires are commonly used by tower companies.

The Guy Wire Name

Guy wire goes by several names. Some refer to it as guyed wire, others guy cable, and still others guy strand or guy anchors. People will also mistakenly refer to it as guide wire, when in fact the term is derived from the term guy, which is a rope, cable or cord used to steady, guide or secure.

What is Guy Wire?

Guy wire is a tensioned cable that is both lightweight and strong. These cables add stability to free-standing structures. They can be seen on ship masts, radio towers, wind turbines, utility poles, and more.

Guy Wire Hardware

Big grip dead ends (Preforms): Used for high tensioning.

End sleeves (Ice clips): Needed when using big grip dead ends, to prevent unraveling.

Drop forged wire rope clips: Used to clamp the loose end of wire rope after forming an eye.

Shackles: Used for connecting wire rope, chain and slings.

Thimbles: Used to protect the eye or loop of wire rope.

Turnbuckles: Used to pull together or push apart guy anchors.

Guy Wire Installation

Penn-Tech International has been developing tower sites since its inception in 1968. We provide a broad-range of tower site development services. You can contract us to develop your entire site, from the civil work through installation, maintenance and repair.

Thomas Hedberg

President • Penn-Tech International, Inc.

Thomas is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the tower industry. Thomas specializes in a wide range of tower technologies, including HF, Satcom, Microwave, VHF/UHF, and 800 MHz. His expertise spans tower construction, custom support development, tower inspection, alignment, and precise guy cable tensioning.

Tower Maintenance Guide

Learn how to keep your telecom towers operational and prevent costly downtime with our Tower Maintenance Guide.

Choosing the Right Cable Tension Meter

Many are unaware of our frequent encounters with heavy cable wires, making their safety and regular testing with a cable tension meter crucial.

Safety and Compliance: FCC Rules for Antenna Towers

Learn how the FCC and FAA collaborate to enforce safety regulations for antenna towers, ensuring air navigation safety and robust communication infrastructure.

Ensuring Cable Safety

In this post, we’ll discuss the role of tension meters in preventing cable failure and why they are essential tools for any cable maintenance program.

Understanding Cable Tension Measurement Units

Understanding cable tension measurement units is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of various systems and structures.

The Benefits of Tower Painting and Lighting

Discover the benefits of tower painting and lighting maintenance for telecommunications towers. Learn about the importance and best practices for upkeep.

Thomas Hedberg

President • Penn-Tech International, Inc.

Thomas is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the tower industry. Thomas specializes in a wide range of tower technologies, including HF, Satcom, Microwave, VHF/UHF, and 800 MHz. His expertise spans tower construction, custom support development, tower inspection, alignment, and precise guy cable tensioning.

Choosing the Right Cable Tension Meter

Many are unaware of our frequent encounters with heavy cable wires, making their safety and regular testing with a cable tension meter crucial.

Mastering Tension Meter Accuracy and Precision

Tension meters are essential tools in many industries, but their accuracy and precision are critical for reliable results.

Ensuring Cable Safety

In this post, we’ll discuss the role of tension meters in preventing cable failure and why they are essential tools for any cable maintenance program.

Guy Cable Myths Lead to Safety Issues

This post appeared in the February 2005 issue of Tower Times, published by NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors).

How Often Do Tension Meters Need to be Calibrated?

Based on our industry knowledge, historical data, and decades of customer feedback, one year is the longest a tension meter should go without recalibration.

Keep Your Tension in Check

Regular calibration of tension meters is crucial to ensure accurate readings and maintain quality in production. Here’s why you need it.